When I woke up on Sunday, I totally freaked out because it was only 39 degrees. Oh SHIT! My thoughts went straight to my memories of P.F. Chang's this past January where it was really cold. I was SO scared to run this 10K, but there was no stopping me now. The night before the race I had a great carb load dinner consisting of pan fry-lite polenta in a basil pesto sauce (the store bought stuff!) I added the Vicodin that the ER doc at the hospital that I work at gave me for the ear infection (gotta love a great doc who gives the great drugs) and turned in MUCH earlier than I usually do - I was OUT like a light and slept GREAT until my alarm woke me up at 7 am (and my bladder at 3 am too).
Once I woke up, I got dressed and quickly ate a PB on a toasted bagel with a 20 oz bottle of Powerade for my pre-race meal. Then Josh and I walked in the cold to the corner of Argyle and Broadway to catch a cab to near Montrose Harbor where the Treat or Treat Trot started. Josh and I saw a lot

Then it was time to assemble at the starting corral. Josh gave a few good luck kisses and told me that he would meet me along the course to be my rabbit for part of the race. Before I start get nervous, we were off.
During the first mile, I was a little bit tight in my calves because of the cold, but did not take long

As I ran the last 0.2 mile, I pushed very, very hard and was encouraged at the end by a few of finishers to keep going until the end. The effort and efficient pacing paid off. I finished at 1:02:36. I was sad to not finish under 1 hour - just shy by 2 minutes - but very satisfied with the end result. I then made my way through the post-race food line. I grabbed some Gatorade, banana, and some Halloween candy (I deserved the Hershey's Dark Chocolate - HELL YEAH!). Then I found Josh and slowly made our way to the Athletico tent to get stretched very, very good.
Mile 1 - 10:09
Mile 2 - 10:10
Mile 3 - 10:07
Mile 4 - 10:03
Mile 5 - 10:03
Mile 6 - 9:42
0.2 Mile - 2:19
After getting stretched and sticking around for the raffle, we walked towards home and stopped for some yummy dim sum for a post-race treat. I was craving it so badly and knew that it was what I wanted after running a 10K. The food was great as always. After brunch, we walked home to clean up and then take a well-deserved nap. We ended up spending the rest of the evening on the couch relaxing since I was still slightly under the weather.

When I opened the card, it read: "To my darling Denise, here is something to help with your next round of marathon training. (Hint: It's not a knee strap or roll of kineso tape.) Love, Joshua." When I opened

I then became overwhelmed with emotion from the events that happened today and then the total surprise from Josh. A lot has changed since my last birthday and so very thankful for these positive changes in my life. I am looking forward to a wonderful birthday coming up. I am also looking forward to the upcoming vacation starting on Friday. It will be something that I will enjoy fully.
9 comments:
Nice race, great day, great gift :-) Sniff... I luv Josh ;-) Yes, it is very nice and well deserved (the positive changes in your life!).
Awwwww, that's a great gift and what a guy you have there. He's a definite keeper.
You had a great race, too. Sounds like it was fun! Good job... :)
Great job on the 10K and what a great boyfriend...nothing like an early birthday present that is nice like that...
Marathon training huh...Twin Cities next year, I'm telling you!!
I love you too, Wes.
can I love Josh too? lol. I want to at least thank him for his contribution to encouraging you as a friend and love to be the best you can be... you've come a long way baby! keep it up! (NICE splits)!
congrats on the race. I'd die to run that fast. And a early happy birthday. It has been quite a year for you. I'm so happy the positives out weight the negatives.
and yeah, I remember the cold RnR temps last january.
Nice job!!
Happy B-DAY!!!
And, man, can you ever keep a pace!!
Happy Halloween!! :o)
Wow. Nice job on the race and what a great gift from Josh! Pre-Happy Birthday!
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